Plainly Lye was a diligent, thrifty worker, willing to work in the sweat of his brow and to walk a long journey to collect his pay. But his ways are no more. Modern industry has changed the habits of men. THE MISCELLANEOUS TASKS OF JOSEPH LYE. The spring of the year 1819 was a very busy time with Lye, and a few entries in his diary reveal the versatility of his career. May 5, “helped set fence in front of our premises in the forenoon. Performed military duty in the afternoon.” May 9, “helped move Mudge’s new shop. Went to Chelsea to purchase pigs, but found none to be bought.” Saturday, May 23, he “trained again.” June 30, “sailed from this town for North Yarmouth in the sloop Jane, Capt. Ross, for the purpose of recovering the boat Humbird, which Ellis and myself sold to David Libby last November.” Sunday, July 12, “arrived in Lynn with the boat, which we took possession of July 1 without much difficulty, having had a quick voyage of ten days, Capt. Ross, S. Hutchinson and myself being all the crew to manage both vessels.” Monday, July 27, “bought of James Austin one sixth part of the boat Humbird for $16.66.” (It was for using this boat in the cod fishing industry that Lye got the bounty of $35, by the way.) At some time or other during the year, Lye acquired the pigs for which he made his vain trip to Chelsea, and on Jan. 1 he “killed our two hogs. Their weight was 384 pounds.” The variety of Lye’s tasks certainly surpasses those of the average shoemaker of these days. THE PASTIMES OF JOSEPH LYE. Joseph Lye lived a well rounded life. Besides shoemaking, fishing and farming, and other occupations that came to his hand, he trained with the militia, ran with the firemen, took part in politics, and sat up with sick friends, and lent a hand when help was needed. He took life seriously, not as sternly as did his Puritan forefathers, but nevertheless, with a deep and earnest purpose. For example, in his diary he records: “Monday, Mar. 20. This day I am 27 years old. I have, through God’s goodness, been spared in life and health for another year, and may I improve the present year better than I have ever done before.” At the close of the same year he records: “This day closes the year through which I have passed in good health and have enjoyed all the necessary comforts which I have needed. May I be suitably thankful for mercies received.” No birthday dinners and celebrations for Lye. The passing years of life were serious to him.